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Basketball Camp!

McCracken Basketball Camp at Wayland Academy

America's oldest co-ed boarding school is host to one of McCracken's most popular locations. Players will utilize Lindsay Gymnasium and Wayland's Field House, originally built for the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks summer training camp.

McCracken Basketball Camps is beginning its 54th year of operation, and in that time over 125,000 players have attended. The Complete Skills Program offers detailed instruction and drills in all the skills necessary to be a complete basketball player; suitable for players of all abilities from the most advanced high school player to the younger player who is just learning the game. We look forward to the opportunity to help you become the best you can be!

Highlights Include

McCracken Basketball Camp's 54 year program of detailed and personalized instruction

Todd German

German was a standout high school and college athlete from Bronson, Michigan. He played basketball at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and at Manchester College. At both schools he was the leading scorer, rebounder, and MVP. He received his master's degree from Western Michigan University.

CAMP GOALS & IDEALS

A high school coach once told us, “Do you know why I like your camp? It’s because you teach – you don’t just throw out the ball and say ‘play’.” The two long-stated goals of The McCracken Basketball Camp are that each camper should 1) have fun; and 2) learn to become the best player that he or she can possibly be. We work toward both of these goals in every camp activity.

I think that basketball must be fun, and that players should look forward to going to the gym. We work to make learning how to play basketball interesting and enjoyable. Making things fun doesn’t mean not working hard. Hard work can be fun, if approached with the right attitude (just ask any former camper about our Defense Day or Stations). We also feel that being positive and offering encouragement when teaching basketball is very effective in improving a player’s confidence and interest in the game.

Our second goal is that campers work to be the best they can possibly be. We have been saying this for 50 years. To do this, it is important that players learn how to play the game correctly, and that they practice those techniques. Playing games is good for improving reactions and decision-making in game situations, but there are limits to how much improvement can be made if all a developing player does is play games. Our program will give an advantage to the individual player looking to improve. In competition, players tend to shy away from their weaknesses (off-hand, outside shooting, etc.) or parts of their game where they’re simply not as confident yet, as it might lead to a turnover or missed shot. In a game situation, the next thing the player knows, he or she is sitting on the bench. At camp we give detailed instruction along with repetitive drills that will give campers the ability and confidence to become more complete players. We also show drills and practice techniques that can be used to continue to improve individual skills. Those individual skills (both basic and advanced) can be mastered and, only then, blended with those of other players so that a team may have success.

Coach German
Phone: (260) 432-0099
E-mail: todd@mccrackencamps.com

P.S. to Parents:

Parents ask me why they should send their son or daughter to our camp. What makes our camp so different from other camps? It’s no secret. Our philosophy is that we believe in personal attention for each player, both on and off the courts. We are not an assembly line, stuffing kids into slots. The individual is the most important part of our camp and always will be.

We would appreciate the opportunity to work with your son or daughter. If you have any questions about the camp program, supervision, safety, staff, etc., please call me at the number on this brochure and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Camp Details

COMPLETE SKILLS CAMP: JUNE 27TH-30TH

All Campers Check-in: Monday, June 27th between 1PM-2PM at Warren Cottage, Wayland AcademyAll Campers Closing Ceremony: Thursday, June 30th at 3:30PM. Check-out following at 4:30PM.

Click the "More Details" button below for a sample daily schedule and information on meals, dorming, supervision, and facilities.

CAMPER EVALUATION

Upon arrival, all participants are evaluated by the staff so that their own instructional needs can be addressed throughout the week. In addition, campers will be evaluated and then split up into smaller groups according to age and ability. Parents are invited to attend the closing ceremony! Departure immediately following.

OVERNIGHT CAMPERS

WHAT TO BRING

Basketball gear – shorts, shirts, socks, basketball shoes. Casual wear – jeans, shorts, T-shirts, jacket or sweatshirt, pajamas. Miscellaneous articles – towels, sheets pillow, two blankets or a sleeping bag, toiletries, and a fan. PLEASE MARK YOUR CLOTHING FOR IDENTIFICATION. We are not responsible for articles lost or stolen at camp. Please leave all jewelry at home. All meals are provided and water is available, but you are also welcome to bring bottled water, sports drinks and snacks.

ROOM KEYS

Available upon request at check-in time for a $20.00 deposit. Deposits will be returned at checkout when the room key is returned. The deposit is forfeited if the key is lost.

CELL PHONES

Campers are allowed to bring a cell phone to camp. Cell phones must be kept in the dorm room and can only be used there (not in the gym, cafeteria, etc.). Please talk to your child prior to arrival about using cell phones only to communicate important camp information (pick-up time, game schedule, etc.). We would also hope that you, as parents, keep calls to your child to a minimum. Part of the camp experience is giving your child the chance to get away and to be on their own. Cell phones are not necessary as there are pay phones available. Should an event arise, the Site Director will have a phone available for campers to use and/or will personally contact the parents.

PICTURES

A group picture of the campers may be ordered at check-in time for a fee of $7. The group picture will be handed out before the end of the camp session.

CAMP BANK

Spending money may be turned in to the camp bank at the first meeting following registration. The bank is open each day so that money may be withdrawn.

MEDICAL CARE

Complete first aid facilities are available. A hospital with 24-hour emergency service is located nearby.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is not provided by the camp to or from any airports. If you are flying to or from camp, we recommend using an airport shuttle service. Please schedule flights as close as you can to the check-in times on the first day and check-out times on the last day.

REGISTRATION PACKET

A detailed camper registration packet containing check-in location, health/release forms, emergency contact numbers, and a checklist of things to bring will be emailed to all registered campers prior to the start of camp. The health and release forms do not require a doctor's signature and they will be collected on the first day of camp. DO NOT MAIL. If you have special medicines to take, bring them with written instructions on the reverse side of the health report.

Group Discounts

If five or more campers register together, each camper is eligible for a $20 discount. If 10 or more campers register together, each camper is eligible for a $40 discount. Teams can register online or via mail/fax.

To register your team online: Please have a team contact reach out directly to the USSC office at 1-800-645-3226 to receive a discount code to identify your group. Campers may then register individually through the website at their convenience and apply the coupon code during check-out.

To register your team via mail/fax: Click "Get Brochure" above and print the application. All applications must be received at the same time via mail or fax. If all members of your group pay with a Visa or MasterCard, feel free to fax your applications to 415-479-6061 to expedite processing.

*Please note, this information is subject to change.

Facilities

Wayland Academy is located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, on Highway 151, approximately 40 miles northeast of Madison. Campers will be housed in two per room in the Wayland Academy dorms. All meals will be served in the school cafeteria. Basketball instruction and play will take place in Lindsay Gymnasium and the Fieldhouse.

Sample Daily Schedule

7:30 AMWake-up

8:00 AMBreakfast

9:00 AMLectures/Demonstrations

9:45 AMDrills/Stations/Scrimmage

12:00 PMLunch

1:00 PMRest

2:00 PMLectures/Demonstrations/Contests

3:00 PMDrills/Stations/Scrimmage

4:30 PMSwimming/Recreation

5:30 PMDinner

6:30 PMLeague Games

9:00 PMNight Program

10:30 PMLights Out

Camper Reviews

I improved my defense and my mental toughness.

July 27, 2016: The coaches and counselors helped me as much as possible and helped me improve as a basketball player. My favorite part of the camp was how on the second full day of camp, we worked on defense. I feel like I improved my defense and my mental toughness by tremendous amounts. That part alone is enough to keep me coming back every year.

My son enjoyed the night programs.

July 27, 2016: My son loved the camp and had a great experience. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed the night programs. I really wish he would have come home with some sort of evaluation. I think he would have enjoyed working on something that the coaches told him needed improvement.

My daughter's favorite camp!

August 1, 2016: She's attended a different camp each year with her teammates and this one has been her favorite one yet! She loved the food and said all of the coaches were really nice. She was excited about Rock Tree Bridge and shooting games that she came home and taught to other girls in town! Her and her teammates loved the defense drills-you made them fun!

Tons of fun!

We are telling everyone we know about this camp!!

My daughter truly loved this camp. She was nervous going in, but the counselors were receptive to her anxiety and really met her head on. She loved the drills and games and the total experience. We are telling everyone we know about this camp!! After the first day, she said she wanted to already go back next year!

They were so attentive to my son's dietary needs.

I was very impressed with Todd German. After a recent diagnosis of celiac disease for one of my sons, I was concerned how special diets were handled. Prior to registering, I sent an email through the website inquiring about special diets. Within 30 minutes of sending the email, Todd called me personally to assure me that Wayland handled special diets very well. He told me to call the school directly to talk with them, but he knew they would be able to accommodate my son. He was correct! I talked with Food Services and then we met upon check in. They were so attentive to my son's dietary needs. I appreciated Todd's thoughtfulness and attentiveness to the situation and the school's willingness to accommodate my son. Well done!

He loved all of the camp.

My daughter really enjoyed her counselors and will be back next year!

She loved playing basketball games. And loved the skills/shoot out contest. She really enjoyed making new friends and really liked the wayland campus. My daughter really enjoyed her counselors and will be back next year!

My son loved making new friends.

Kudos to the entire McCracken Organization !

As a parent of a two-time camp attendee, I'd like you to let other parents know a couple of things. First of all, this camp is not for the lazy or unmotivated. My daughter comments all the time about how challenging she found camp and how much she loved it. She's remembering and using what she's learned from camp in her regular season play. Second, if you’re looking for a basketball camp that is truly worth the "price of admission"...THIS IS IT. You as a parent get the satisfaction of knowing your money isn't being wasted but more importantly, the skills and lessons your child will come home with are priceless. The McCracken Organization employs terrific coaches for the camps. Coaches who can communicate and teach, while promoting good sportsmanship and FUN. Kudos to the entire McCracken Organization !

I learned so much about basketball.

I learned so much about basketball during my week at camp -- and also some things about teamwork. I probably could not have made it completely through Defense Day and Stations without the coaches and the team that I was with.

I have improved tremendously.

I had so much fun. I have improved tremendously on my post moves. I am now shooting around the paint and outside of the paint because of your camp. If you had seen my shooting before, you would know that I have made a big improvement. Thanks to you and your staff for helping me develop my skills as a leader and as a player.”

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